Scientists have discovered the oldest known impact crater on Earth in Greenland. The crater, which is about 100 kilometers wide and 3 billion years old, was formed by a massive meteorite that slammed into the planet's surface.
The crater was hidden beneath a thick layer of ice and snow, making it difficult to detect. But a team of researchers from the University of Copenhagen and the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland used radar data and gravity measurements to map the structure of the crater.
The researchers estimate that the meteorite that created the crater was about 30 kilometers in diameter and hit the Earth with a force of more than 10 trillion tons of TNT. The impact would have caused widespread devastation, melting rocks, vaporizing water, and triggering earthquakes and tsunamis.
The discovery of the crater is important for understanding the early history of Earth and its evolution. The crater is one of the few remnants of the ancient crust that has not been erased by plate tectonics and erosion. It also provides clues about the frequency and effects of large impacts on Earth and other planets.
The researchers published their findings in the journal Science Advances. They hope to conduct further studies on the crater, such as drilling into the ice to collect samples of the rocks and minerals that were affected by the impact.
http://mashable.com/2012/06/29/oldest-impact-meteorite-crater-greenland/
